Business Unit Description

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people 50+ turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. Policy, Research and International Affairs leads the development and communication of AARP's public policies and, research and insights on the issues that matter to the 50+.

Summary

Thought Leadership & International helps position AARP as the preeminent global leader in challenging outdated beliefs and sparking new solutions for people to choose how they age. The Thought Leadership & International team is seeking a creative, analytical, and forward-thinking intern to join our team as we leverage, develop and champion new insights, thought-provoking ideas backed by evidence and create bold solutions to address major societal issues. The ideal intern with work closely with team members and have the opportunity to work on live projects and contribute to research reports that will help advance their careers.

The Office of Policy Development and Integration (OPDI) develops AARP's public policies through an ongoing process with AARP staff experts that includes objective policy analysis and nationwide member and volunteer input. These policies are published in AARP's online Policy Book and other products. OPDI also partners with other AARP departments and guides staff across the enterprise to ensure integration of the latest policy and research within all of AARP's activities.

The ideal intern will research emerging policy issue areas and assist in developing new policy stances for the enterprise to integrate into its operations. The intern will have broad responsibilities, including managing short- and long-term projects and activities, assisting with increasing our communication efforts, database development, and entry, researching thought leaders and issues, and providing support to and staffing a range of convening's, workshops, and other events.

The intern position will support our teams' efforts to build new platforms and activities around new initiatives, meetings, and conferences. The intern will also support ongoing projects that include but are not limited to the Longevity Economy project, the Global Roadmap for Healthy Longevity, the 2021-2022 update to the AARP Policy Book, and a series of internal and external events and workshops.

This position requires someone with a high degree of organization, an ability to see the "big picture," and understand the level of detail needed to ensure success along the way. Creativity and taking the initiative are critical for this role. Social media and communication skills are required. Candidates must have strong attention to detail and an interest in issues around aging, longevity, health, and financial security. This is a paid internship with an anticipated start date of July 2021 and an end date of December 2021.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include, but not be limited to:

• Perform a range of tasks depending on the project and research needs of OPDI and Thought Leadership;
• Identify related research and potential thought leadership opportunities;
• Identify and research thought leaders across numerous industries;
• Stay up to date on trending issues across industries as it relates to longevity and equity and other emerging policy issues OPDI will identify;
• Event support, including assisting in logistics surrounding global thought leadership events;
• Collaborate across the OPDI and Thought Leadership and International teams, and across AARP more broadly, to ensure the successful communication of thought leadership events
• Write, proof, or fact-check reports
• Database development and entry
• Administrative support
• Other duties as assigned

To succeed in the role, you must have:

• An entrepreneurial mindset, proactive attitude, and desire to seize opportunities.
• Good communication skills, both written and oral, and an attention to detail
• Good digital skills: proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (required); social media

Requirements

Interns must be currently enrolled in a degreed program at an accredited college or university and must be in a graduate or doctoral program.

AARP also considers non-traditional interns who are looking to re-enter the workforce or change careers. This may include those who have previously graduated college and are now enrolled in a continuing education program.

Compensation and Benefits

Internships are non-exempt positions and are not eligible for employee benefits.

As a result of the COVID pandemic, all interviews will be held virtually and all non-essential employees will continue to work remotely until further notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.